One of the marquee events of the NBA’s All-Star weekend is the Slam Dunk Contest.
Four players compete in front of a panel of judges who assess the dunkers over two rounds. Of all the events over the weekend, it’s arguably the one that generates the most buzz and viral moments. It also allows players to flex their creativity and athleticism.
This year, the Slam Dunk Contest will take place in Indianapolis and will feature Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat), Mac McClung (Osceola Magic, NBA G League) and Jacob Toppin (New York Knicks).
Here’s a quick primer on the history of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
What are some of the best dunks in NBA Slam Dunk Contest history?
The list is long, from Michael Jordan taking off from the foul line to Vince Carter’s epic show in 2000, but in 2018, the NBA compiled a list of perfect score dunks.
Who are the previous NBA Slam Dunk Contest champions?
Here’s a list of all the Slam Dunk Contest champions, since it became a standalone event in 1984.
2023: Mac McClung (76ers)
2022: Obi Toppin (Knicks)
2021: Anfernee Simons (Trail Blazers)
2020: Derrick Jones Jr. (Heat)
2019: Hamidou Diallo (Thunder)
2018: Donovan Mitchell (Jazz)
2017: Glenn Robinson III (Pacers)
2016: Zach LaVine (Timberwolves)
2015: Zach LaVine (Timberwolves)
2014: John Wall (Wizards)
2013: Terrence Ross (Raptors)
2012: Jeremy Evans (Jazz)
2011: Blake Griffin (Clippers)
2010: Nate Robinson (Knicks)
2009: Nate Robinson (Knicks)
2008: Dwight Howard (Magic)
2007: Gerald Green (Celtics)
2006: Nate Robinson (Knicks)
2005: Josh Smith (Hawks)
2004: Fred Jones (Pacers)
2003: Jason Richardson (Warriors)
2002: Jason Richardson (Warriors)
2001: Desmond Mason (Sonics)
2000: Vince Carter (Raptors)
1997: Kobe Bryant (Lakers)
1996: Brent Barry (Clippers)
1995: Harold Miner (Heat)
1994: Isiah Rider (Timberwolves)
1993: Harold Miner (Heat)
1992: Cedric Ceballos (Suns)
1991: Dee Brown (Celtics)
1990: Dominique Wilkins (Hawks)
1989: Kenny Walker (Knicks)
1988: Michael Jordan (Bulls)
1987: Michael Jordan (Bulls)
1986: Spud Webb (Hawks)
1985: Dominique Wilkins (Hawks)
1984: Larry Nance (Suns)
* There was no Slam Dunk Contest in 1999 due to that year’s NBA lockout and in 1998 the event was replaced with the WNBA-NBA 2Ball Contest
